Hempcrete:

Benefits and Projects

Report 1

Prepared for
Tom Orman

Prepared by
Manish Murugesh

CCET
George Brown College

Submitted:
November 3rd, 2023
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Kumar Consultancy

November 3, 2023

Tom Orman
Torman Developments
2022 - 123 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5G 2C2

RE: Recommendation Report – Hempcrete as a sustainable material

Dear Mr. Orman:

As per our contract of January 26, please find enclosed the required recommendation report, hempcrete:
Benefits and Projects.

The report outlines the benefits of hempcrete and the projects where it has been used. Based on the available
evidence, this report provides recommendations as to future projects in which your company can implement
hempcrete.

I trust you will find this report satisfactory. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further
assistance.

Sincerely,

Manish Murugesh
Principal Consultant
Construction Management Certificate Candidate

Enclosure: Hempcrete: Benefits and Projects

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Executive Summary
Hempcrete is most suitable for residential, large-scale and urban developmental projects. The benefits of
hempcrete are sustainability, carbon sequestration, low embodied energy, thermal insulation, lightweight,
breathability, non-toxicity, versatility, waste reduction, longevity. It is also possible to use this tactic for business
objectives. Investigating potential funding sources for environmentally friendly building projects, such as grants,
tax credits, or other funding sources, is crucial.

That being said, even though the exact incentives vary based on local laws, it is still vital to take action. This study
offers strong evidence in favor of using hempcrete in projects where it makes sense due to its low cost, favorable
effects on the environment, and potential for producing worthwhile results. The relative cost of hempcrete is
affected by number of variables, such as the area, labor expenses, and material availability, might affect
hempcrete's relative cost. Although hempcrete is usually thought to be more expensive initially than regular
concrete, it can have long-term financial advantages as well as environmental advantages.

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Table of Contents
Executive Summary................................................................................................................................ iii
Table of Figures ....................................................................................................................................... v
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Background .............................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Research Methods ..................................................................................................................................2
2 Benefits ......................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Carbon Sequestration (Benefit 1) ...........................................................................................................3
2.2 Non-Toxicity (Benefit 2) ..........................................................................................................................4
3 Projects ......................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 The Clichy-Batignolles Eco-District, France (Project 1)...........................................................................5
3.2 Hemp House in Asheville, North Carolina, USA (Project 2) ....................................................................6
4 Recommendations........................................................................................................................ 7
References ............................................................................................................................................. 8

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Table of Figures
Figure 1: Clichy-Batignolles. ........................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 2: Hemp House. ................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

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1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this report is to explore the benefits of Hempcrete and the projects where it has been used or can
be used. The report will make recommendations regarding the most effective applications of this product. This
report illustrates the benefits along the project. Hempcrete is an environmentally friendly material. It is a great
environmental friendly material as it has great capacity to store carbon and has the good thermal insulation
capability.

1.2 Background
Hempcrete was first created in France over thirty years ago, and because it blended nicely with stone and lime, it
was first utilized for remodeling older homes. Quentin Pichon, the founder of CAN-Ingenieurs architects, a firm
that specializes in hempcrete building, claims that this has advanced to the construction of new residences,
workplaces, and municipal buildings, some of which are as tall as seven stories.

Carbon is absorbed by hemp fields during growth. The crop absorbs greenhouse gasses even after it is harvested
and is combined with clay or lime. According to those who support them, hempcrete buildings also feature
superior ventilation, fire resistance, and temperature regulation. (Jeremy Hodges and Kevin Orland – 2019)
Hodges, J., & Orland, K. (2019). “Hempcrete” Builds Its Profile; Builders swapping cement for weed. National Post
(Toronto).

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1.3 Research Methods

This report is based on secondary research. The consulted sources include trade and scholarly journals, articles
and Review Papers.
Sources:
o Materials Today
o Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews
o Journal of Cleaner Production
o Sustainability (Paris, France)
o Canadian Press Enterprises Inc.
o Eco Home

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2 Benefits

2.1 Carbon Sequestration

One of the benefits of hempcrete is its durability and longevity. Hempcrete is a sustainable building material
made from the inner fibers of the hemp plant mixed with lime and water. It is widely used due to its eco-friendly
properties and potential benefits in various climates.

David Wolfe (2014) states that “Hempcrete is an incredible material. It has all the properties of a good building
material. It’s breathable, insulating, and has excellent thermal mass. It doesn’t need to be supported by trees
and beams. It doesn’t rot. It doesn’t attract termites. It doesn’t burn and is one of the best ways to absorb
carbon dioxide.

The carbon footprint of hempcrete is substantially less than that of conventional building materials like
concrete. During their growth, hemp plants take up CO2, which is then stored in the substance. Because of this
carbon sequestration, the building has a less overall carbon footprint, making it a more environmentally
responsible option. (Rock, Balouktsi, Rasmussen, Birgisdottir, Frischknecht, Habert, Lutzkendorf, Passer -
October 2019 (2020)).

Due to its hygroscopic nature, hempcrete can absorb and release moisture in response to the relative humidity
levels inside. This feature is advantageous in mild and cold areas since it aids in preserving a consistent indoor
relative humidity. It can help create a more comfortable and healthful indoor atmosphere by absorbing excess
moisture in humid conditions and releasing it in dry ones. Additionally, this feature aids in preventing moisture-
related issues including rotting and mold growth. (Yadete 2018)

The clients should consider hempcrete, especially for residential projects for maintaining indoor temperature
and cutting down on heating and cooling expenses are crucial in both mild and cold climates. Hempcrete are not
only more durable and long lasting than concrete, but they are also more sustainable.

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2.2 Non-Toxicity

Lime, water, and the inner fibers of the hemp plant are combined to create hempcrete, a bio-composite material.
Because of its insulating qualities and sustainability, it is frequently utilized as a building material. Hempcrete is
made to be resistant to moisture and decay, therefore it is not usually utilized as a substrate for fungal growth.

Hempcrete's high pH, which comes from the lime element, renders it an unsuitable home for a variety of fungi.
For growth, fungi usually prefer pH settings that are somewhat acidic rather than neutral. Furthermore,
hempcrete is not the best substrate for fungal growth, which often needs moisture and organic materials to
flourish. This is due to its low moisture absorption and strong insulating qualities.

Because hempcrete is non-toxic and devoid of dangerous chemicals, it can improve indoor air quality and provide
a healthier living space. On-site mixing of hempcrete is possible, with any leftover material being recycled back
into the mixture or applied as a soil amendment. In building, waste is reduced as a result.

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3 Projects

3.1 The Clichy-Batignolles Eco-District, France (Project 1)

Situated in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, France, the Clichy-Batignolles Eco-District, also called the ZAC Clichy-
Batignolles, is a large-scale urban development project. The goal of this eco-district is to serve as a prototype for
environmentally responsible and sustainable urban development. It is a showpiece for contemporary urban
sustainability because it integrates a number of environmentally friendly elements and activities.

The main aspect of the project was to provide green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transportation,
mixed-use development, waste reduction renewable energy, smart infrastructure and water management.
(Annick Lepetit and Jean-François Danon – 2015)
https://archive-clichy-batignolles.parisetmetropole-
amenagement.fr/sites/default/files/exe_web_cb_dossierpresse-en.pdf

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3.2 Hemp House in Asheville, North Carolina, USA (Project 2)

While builders are able to specify non-off-gassing materials, they have little control over residents' brought-in
durable goods (furniture and such items), which may contain a lot of chemicals. If the airtight house has the
unfavorable side effect of keeping toxic substances within, its energy efficiency could be compromised at the
expense of people's health. It's preferable to construct a breathing home.

The quintessential "Push House" provides one such instance. Its outside walls, which resemble stucco, are really
composed of 12-inch-thick hempcrete, a recyclable, mold- and bug-resistant bio-composite masonry composition.
And here's the thing: as air passes through hempcrete, it naturally petrifies, absorbing carbon and other "nasty
stuff" from the atmosphere and growing stronger over time.

Not all unorthodox materials are creating waves in the Push House; hemp is just one of them. Though they appear
to be drywall, the inside walls are really composed of a designed core panel material that is covered in magnesium
oxide and composed entirely of recycled paper. Pure-panel is lightweight as a feather, waterproof, free of toxins,
and resistant to termites, fire, and mold. Its crush strength is 20,000 pounds per square foot. The Push House's
inner doors, which are each 3 by 8 feet and weigh 12 pounds, are constructed of this material. (Russ Martin and
Karon Korp 2010)
https://www.builderonline.com/design/the-house-that-hemp-built

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4 Recommendations
The most significant inference that can be made from the research findings in this paper is that hempcrete is
suitable for usage in both residential and commercial construction. Hempcrete is advised for the reasons listed
below, among others: The process of taking carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere and putting it somewhere
else is called sequestration. This contributes to slowing down the climate change. An outstanding example of this
concept is Hempcrete, a sustainable building material made of hemp fibers, lime, and water. Naturally, hemp
plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) as they grow. Hempcrete is made from hemp plants, and the carbon that is
taken out of them is then trapped within the substance. Furthermore, hempcrete has outstanding thermal
insulation properties, meaning it can effectively regulate the temperature inside the building. This natural
shielding considerably reduces the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling devices like air conditioners and
furnaces. This suggests that buildings with energy consumption will emit less carbon dioxide. Because it uses
energy more efficiently and aids in the storage of carbon, hempcrete is an environmentally friendly building
material.

Furthermore, it is advised that Torman Developments, the client, utilize the low-cost solutions that have a host of
benefits. Because this material reduces construction costs as well as building heating and cooling expenses, the
client should also benefit from it. The client will therefore find this material to be more beneficial.

Customers may generally be assured that Hempcrete will continue to produce consistent results for the duration
of the product's warranty. The fact that hempcrete is strong at insulating heat and is environmentally friendly are
two benefits of utilizing it; the other is that it cannot be utilized in load-bearing constructions. Hempcrete is also
more difficult to find than conventional building materials like concrete.

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References
Hodges, J., & Orland, K. (2019). “Hempcrete” Builds Its Profile; Builders swapping cement for weed. National Post
(Toronto).
https://librarysearch.georgebrown.ca/permalink/01OCLS_BROWN/1acol81/cdi_proquest_newspapers_2283731
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The Eco District, Press Kit 2015

https://archive-clichy-batignolles.parisetmetropole-
amenagement.fr/sites/default/files/exe_web_cb_dossierpresse-en.pdf

Martin-Korp Residence, Builder magazine 2010

https://www.builderonline.com/design/the-house-that-hemp-built

Essaghouri, L., Mao, R., & Li, X. (2023). Environmental benefits of using hempcrete walls in residential
construction: An LCA-based comparative case study in Morocco. Environmental Impact Assessment Review,
100, 107085–. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2023.107085

Chau, K., Fleck, R., Irga, P. J., Torpy, F. R., Wilkinson, S. J., & Castel, A. (2023). Hempcrete as a substrate for fungal
growth under high humidity and variable temperature conditions. Construction & Building Materials, 398,
132373–. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132373

Shang, Y., & Tariku, F. (2021). Hempcrete building performance in mild and cold climates: Integrated analysis of
carbon footprint, energy, and indoor thermal and moisture buffering. Building and Environment, 206,
108377–. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108377

Arehart, J. H., Nelson, W. S., & Srubar, W. V. (2020). On the theoretical carbon storage and carbon
sequestration potential of hempcrete. Journal of Cleaner Production, 266, 121846–.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121846

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